USMNT Coach Mauricio Pochettino Miffed Over Questioning After World Cup Loss to Turkey: ‘We Won the Group’

Natasha DyeFri, June 26, 2026 at 6:03 PM UTC

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Mauricio Pochettino on June 25, 2026 in Inglewood, CaliforniaCredit: John Dorton/USSF/Getty -

USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino appeared frustrated with reporters after the United States' loss to Turkey in the World Cup on Thursday, June 25

Pochettino told reporters their questions were "a little bit weird" and said it's "a little bit sad" that they didn't congratulate him on winning the group

"I need to remind everyone we won the group. Sorry guys, we won," Pochettino said on Thursday

United States Men's National Team head coach Mauricio Pochettino seemed frustrated with reporters after their loss to Turkey in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Pochettino, 54, spoke to members of the media after Turkey's 3-2 win over the U.S. on Thursday, June 25, telling journalists that he'd like to "remind everyone" the U.S. won Group D in the group play stage. “It cannot be possible that Turkey celebrates three points, Australia celebrates getting through, Paraguay celebrates getting through… for you to not say congratulations for winning the group, it’s a little bit sad,” Pochettino said, according to The Athletic.

Pochettino told reporters, “I’m happy, maybe I’m not showing because your questions are a little bit weird...But I’m happy, the players are happy because we are first. I’m confused, maybe the vibes are like we go home tonight and Turkey stays, no?”

"I need to remind everyone we won the group, sorry guys, we won," Pochettino said.

Mauricio Pochettino on June 25, 2026Credit: CHRISTOPHER TORRES/EPA/Shutterstock

When one reporter asked about the potential impact the loss to Turkey may have on the U.S. team, Pochettino appeared irked, responding, "What would you like me to tell you? Whatever I tell you, it's not going to convince you. A newspaper is going to write whatever they think or whatever they want," according to ESPN.

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"But honestly speaking, I go back to [this]: We qualified as No. 1 and we're going to the next round," Pochettino added.

The head coach told reporters that he's not phased by the Thursday's loss. "Winning this game or not winning this game is not going to change [my mood]," he said.

Pochettino said the team's "objective is to finish first" and added, "And we are first. And now is the next stage. We are ready."

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Next, the United States will face Bosnia-Herzegovina in the Round of 32 on July 1.

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Source: “AOL Sports”